About

WHAT IS THE FILM ABOUT?

Let's start with a series of questions.

What happens to children who don't go to school or experience a non-traditional education once they become adults? Are they "successful" in life? Can they get into college if they choose to follow that route? How do they make a living, get jobs or start their own businesses? And how do they define success for themselves?

SELF-TAUGHT is a documentary that answers these questions, as told through the stories of six remarkable young adults who share their personal challenges and successes of growing up unschooled. As they talk about their childhoods and their desire to learn in their own unique ways, they also reflect upon how these experiences helped shaped who they have become as adults.

In addition to these main stories we’ll also hear from experts with extensive experience in alternative education models, child development and psychology, and and delve into what it means to be a self-directed learner. Plus we'll spend time at a center that has been changing the lives of teen learners for more than two decades.

There is a growing interest worldwide in alternative ways of learning and families everywhere are seeking answers and new learning opportunities that will empower their children. I believe these stories will resonate strongly with those already on the path of self-directed learning and inspire and encourage those who are considering taking their education into their own hands.

HOW WILL THE MONEY BE USED?

I mentioned briefly in the video above what stages the film has to go through next in order to be completely finished. Here's a specific breakdown of exactly what those stages are and how the money raised in this campaign will be used:

MUSIC - The music for any film makes a huge difference to the final experience. It truly transforms it and I'd like to have compelling music in this film too. This part of the finishing process is by far the biggest and most expensive task. A great composer is worth their weight in gold.

COLOR-CORRECTION - For the most part, the footage in the film looks fantastic. But there are always shots that need some extra help and additionally, a skilled colorist can give the whole film a unified look that makes it flow seamlessly from shot to shot so that your viewing experience is not interrupted by distracting visuals.

SOUND MIXING - There's nothing worse than not being able to hear the sound of a film properly, or having the music and dialogue competing with each other for aural space. All the sound in a film has to be balanced and mixed so that you can hear everything well and get the full audio experience.

HOW KICKSTARTER WORKS

Kickstarter is all-or-nothing funding so if I don't make it to $15,000 no one will receive the awesome rewards, I'll get absolutely nothing and the film won't get finished. That would be a sad scenario. I understand that not everyone will be able to make a financial contribution at this time, but please know that every dollar counts towards reaching the goal, and every effort you make to promote the project will help me reach more potential backers. So regardless of whether you can personally donate, please promote this project on Facebook, twitter and on your other social media platforms. I'm grateful for your support.

CAN WE EXCEED OUR KICKSTARTER GOAL?

Absolutely! If we raise more than the $15,000 goal, I'll be able to take the film that much further along in the process. I can use the extra funds to promote the film more widely, organize screenings and perhaps even make personal appearances at screening events. So if you are passionate about the idea of freedom in education, if you were inspired by my last film Class Dismissed, then please consider donating whatever you can to this project. Every donation counts and I really want to share this film with you.

Thank you so much for your support, Jeremy Stuart, Director

Risks and challenges

There are always risks and challenges involved in making an independent film with a low budget, delays can happen for all kinds of reasons, but with a solid track record making my last film Class Dismissed and with over 25 years experience in the film industry as a veteran editor, I feel very confident that I can deliver a fantastic film for you. I'm already 2 years into this project and the end is clearly in sight. The path to completion is clearly laid out, and with your generous help I know I can get there.
Failure is not an option.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 40 or more
About US$ 40

Exclusive Footage

Download a digital copy of the film, get your name on the wall of fame AND get a digital download of an exclusive talk given by Dr. Peter Gray on his research about grown unschoolers and how they turn out!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 500 or more
About US$ 500

Become A Corporate Sponsor

You will receive a copy of the film (digital or DVD) PLUS your logo & business description will be displayed prominently on our official site. You will also receive a special thank you in a blog post on our site.